Unlocking learning: escape games as an immersive tool for transforming geography and environmental education (a case study from Czechia)

Educational escape games are a practical approach to enhancing Geography and Environmental education. By encouraging engagement, collaboration, and practical application of knowledge, these games can help pupils develop the skills and understanding necessary to address complex environmental issues. Using gamification, educators can create dynamic and interactive learning experiences tied to specific places. The present study focuses on the intersection of gamification elements and the educational effectiveness of escape games. It evaluates specific gamification elements and examines them from the perspective of pre-service teachers. This focus provides insight into how specific game mechanisms can enhance learning outcomes, significantly contributing to geography and environmental education and developing pupils’ key competencies.